3below

Tuners: You might seek out some G&L tuners with the aluminium posts. They do come up from time to time on the well known internet auction site and (I think) are the same size. Strap: I just get wide leather strip and punch own holes for straplocka / strap buttons - easy to get leather with rough back - way cheaper than 'name brand' straps And the other 'hidden' factor - the shirt you wear. Just like straps some are better than others at gripping and preventing neck dive.

[quote name='mentalextra' timestamp='1433103631' post='2787906'] They've been doing this for some time .... and what 'did' happen to the [i]guitar improver[/i]? [/quote] As stated this has been going on for years, prior to the Internet it was through checking classifieds (exchange and mart anyone?) and local papers. If they do not data mine ebay / gumtree / basschat etc etc it will be beyond belief. Quite how many private sales you are allowed before you qualify as a dealer is an interesting question. There is also the question of capital gains on even a few sales. Answers from law enforcement and accountancy / taxation BCers welcome.

Bought Tri-Ac from Gilles - excellent communication, well packed and rapid arrival Many Thanks

[quote name='anaxcrosswords' timestamp='1432334281' post='2780697'] Whenever I listen back to old recordings I’ve done (original songs) one thing really grates. I seemed unable to stop myself from adding at least one grace note before leaving a 4-bar phrase – on so many occasions it would have been better to just let the root note stay where it was. It’s not that these grace notes are unmusical. They’re simply unnecessary, at least they feel that way now. We all do it, don’t we? Don’t we? Do you find it hard to just let that last note ring out? [/quote] Similar experience with songs that I have played for many years live then recorded. Grace notes that seem to 'drive' the bass and drums forward just did not sound at all right on the recording.

Staggering price. When you factor in profit at various stages it makes you wonder what it costs to produce ex factory.

[quote name='Kiwi' timestamp='1432291593' post='2780049'] When was it built? [/quote] 1982 - 86. Wiring on an eyelet board, spaghetti rather than Hi-Watt precision. Some excellent pictures and info here: [url="http://www.stratopastor.org.uk/strato/amps/prii/PRII_hub.html"]http://www.stratopas...i/PRII_hub.html[/url]

[quote name='Veganarchist' timestamp='1432237448' post='2779654'] From what I can gather a heat-gun and some good old fashioned elbow grease is the easiest way. Obviously I have to be mindful to keep the gun moving so as not to scorch the wood but that shouldn't be a problem. I dont mind if its an arse of a job. A little hard work to end up with a bass I want to play more will be worth it. [/quote] I tried that on a bass body (bought from BC at bargain price). Having done it successfully to a 1970s Fender in the 1970s (youthful stupidity) I thought it would be easy. However lady luck was not with me this time, it seemed very easy to 'burn' the body.

You might be in for a tough job removing what is probably a polyester finish. It might be better to apply a new solid colour over the blue (after suitable sanding).

Great amplifier, I regret parting with mine. As to price I have no idea.

[quote name='Bill Fitzmaurice' timestamp='1432209359' post='2779182'] You probably would have to open it up to find identifying markings. [/quote] Impeccable advice as usual, you might get lucky with labels or other manufacturing info inside.

[quote name='ValveWorrier' timestamp='1431950639' post='2776459'] I've got the roundwounds on it that I think came with the guitar...but I do have some 45-105 short scale flats I'm going to try once my Hipshot bridge arrives. Hopefully the Hipshot will also cure the bridge saddle silk winding overlap issue. [/quote] It did on mine. With the Hipshot saddles the lock screw will stick up slightly and 'snags' on your hand (unless you are lucky). I put the lock screws in from underneath the saddles which sorted this issue. I also mailed Hipshot about the issue with suggestions about how to fix the problem.

[quote name='ValveWorrier' timestamp='1431848436' post='2775433'] the E-string has the short scale flap.... [/quote] 105 Chromes seem to have sorted that one for me

[quote name='Weststarx' timestamp='1431421005' post='2771006'] Nothing worse than old strings! [/quote] [quote name='4-string-thing' timestamp='1431426455' post='2771116'] Haha, nothing worse than new strings! (imo) [/quote] I am on the latter, 8 yr old TIs on G&L, barely run in. Roto Tru Bass strings on acoustic bass, as fitted from new, 35 years old and still good, am I cheap The bass concerned was played at many gigs in the 1980s, strings got used heavily.

Is the G string 'falling off the neck'? Too close to the fingerboard edge? If this is the case, the issue is probably the alignment of neck to body. Slacken the strings, loosen the neck bolts (screws) slightly and then (boldly) tap the headstock towards the top horn (towards left of bass looking from front). Tighten the neck bolts and re-tune. Should be good to go.

[quote name='JTUK' timestamp='1431629050' post='2773448'] Not my thing, but my post was taking into account the OP talked about flexibility in sound and style, which isn't something I'd put at the door of an SG [/quote] Perfectly flexible - you just need to change strings to get the sound you want- this can be a bit tedious between numbers at a gig

Bought a set of TIs from Paul. As above, spot on, arrived next day, excellent communication. Thanks.

[quote name='JTUK' timestamp='1431543940' post='2772499'] The only advantage of the SG bass is that it shouldn't be a big stretch for a gtr player.. Sound-wise, I think it will be pretty one dimensional...and I'd be wary of overdriving the sound too much. [/quote] But what a dimension and the short scale thing certainly makes me play differently (whether it is any better is open to debate!)

Stating where you are will help in your quest. There are many BCers who will offer you the chance to try your SG bass through various amps / cabs. I would - Mid Wales is in the middle of nowhere (long may it be that way).

What sound do you want? Are you heading for the Jack Bruce / Andy Fraser sound. I suggest trying it with plenty of amp / cab combinations. Power amp (e.g. Peavey IPR 2000 £248) combined with Tech 21 VT deluxe would be an interesting alternative starting point.

Put old strings back on (even one will do), listen to the difference. This may help with identifying is it the new strings or something else like poor saddle contact etc. I have only had one duff string in 45+ years of bass playing, having a whole set seems unlikely (but not impossible). There can be significant volume difference between different string makes, however as you have used the same make and type of strings this can be discounted.

An excellent restoration, always wanted one of these at the time, seeing this one brings back memories of youth.

Plan A: Pictures would help with diagnosis. I suggest remove shims and string bass up to tune. Take pictures of string height and steel ruler at 12th fret. Saddle screws at min and max height. This gives a starting point. See where we go from there. Plan B: - where are you? someone on here who knows about setups may be willing to take a look.

I have TI flats on just about every bass I own and (sic) rate them highly. The only bass that disappointed me with them fitted is my Corvette fretless. Now fitted with Chromes which just worked better for me.